THE Citizen/Crown Paints Community Awards are on course for a record number of entries for this year's cash handouts.

With four weeks still to run before the deadline, local groups and organisations are snapping up application forms for a chance of winning a share of the £4,000 bonanza.

The community awards are now in their 18th year and are proving to be more popular than ever.

Last year 15 groups received a cash handout - ranging from £75 to £600 - and more members of the community are set to benefit again this year.

Alan Terry, chairman of the judging panel said: "Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings are delighted to support the local community through these awards, now in its eighteenth year and have pleased to support some 270 organisations during that time.

"As a company are aware of the need within the local community for financial assistance for groups with projects that benefit the whole community."

He added: "We look forward to receiving applications over the coming weeks from groups who have projects that improve community life."

The awards will be judged by a panel of representatives from Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings (Crown Paints) and Citizen Newspapers. Local branches of national charities, political parties and groups who received a Community Award in 1996 are not eligible.

All entries should be sent to Community Awards, Citizen Newsdesk, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn BB1 1HT. You can get your application forms by ringing the Newsdesk on 01254 671241. Closing date is July 23.

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